Rock Creek Station
State Historical Park
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Park Snapshot
6 E of Fairbury
353 acres (0 water)
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(AreaID: 153)
Contact Information:
Rock Creek Station
SHP
57426 710th Rd
Fairbury, NE 68352-5550
Phone: (402) 729-5777
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Summary
Rock Creek Station might have faded into obscurity, like so many other stage and Pony Express stations, except for one fateful day in 1861. On
that July afternoon, one James Butler Hickok killed David McCanles there and began his bloody career as a gunfighter.
Today, Rock Creek is a state historical park being developed by the Commission. It encompasses some 350 acres of prairie hilltops, timber-studded creek bottoms, and rugged ravines.
Deep ruts, carved by the many wagons that traveled the Oregon/California and Pony Express Trails, are plainly visible there. They bear mute testimony to the rich history of the area.
Development of Rock Creek Station as a state historical park began in 1980. Archaeologists investigated and excavated sites of two ranches dating back to the 1858-1860 time period to determine building sites and to recover period artifacts.
Development is now complete on the reconstruction of the buildings and corrals on both the East and West ranches. However, visitors will find an excellent interpretive center, picnic areas, hiking and nature trails, as well as a modern campground on an adjoining tract. Rock Creek Station is open year-round.
Attractions
Rock Creek SHP's Visitor Center overlooks some 350 acres of prairie hilltops, timber-studded creek bottoms, rugged ravines and deep trail ruts. A visit to the Visitor Center can help start a mental journey back to the 1800's. Interpretation of the road ranches, "Wild Bill" Hickok and tales of trail traffic bear mute testimony to the rich history of the area.
Overnight Accomodations
Rock Creek Station SHP is located adjacent to the Recreation Area which has electrical camper pads with a modern shower/latrine building.
Facility Details
Camping: No
Water: Yes
Modern Restroom: Yes
Dump Station: Yes
Showers: Yes
Laundry: No
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Lodging: No
Cabins: 0
Rooms: 0
Dorms: 0
Food Service: No
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Trails: Yes
Hiking: 4 miles
M. Bike: 4 miles
Horse: 4 miles
Trail Rides: No
Allow Horses: Rock Creek SRA offers a horse camping area with marked trails. The Park offers approximately 4 miles of multi use trails. Water is available for both campers and horses.
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Picnicking: Yes
Picnic Tables: 38
Grills: 38
Shelters: 3
Shelters w/ elec.: 0
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Boating: No
Types: None
Ramps: 0
Docks: 0
Fuel Avail.: No
Boat Rental: No
River Access: No
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Fishing: No
Cleaning Stations: 0
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Swimming: No
Pools: 0
Beaches: 0
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Concessions: No
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Visitor Center: Yes
Rock Creek Historical Park Visitor Center
Hours:
April 15 to April 23 open Weekends Only 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
April 24 to Sept 22 Open Daily 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sept 23 to Oct 29 Open Weekends Only 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
An admission fee of $2 per adult and $1 for chiuldren under 13 (under 3 is free).
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Office on Site: Yes
Rock Creek State Historical Park Office
Hours:
April 15 to April 23 open Weekends Only 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
April 24 to Sept 22 Open Daily 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sept 23 to Oct 29 Open Weekends Only 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
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